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McGuinty Government Invests In Milton Plant Expansion

Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy Spurs Job Creation,
Innovation At Roxul Inc.
MILTON, ON, March 15 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government's investment in
Roxul Inc. will create 100 new jobs at the local insulation manufacturer,
Jean-Marc Lalonde, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic
Development and Trade announced today.
"This is a win for Milton workers and their families and shows that by
partnering with Ontario's most innovative companies, we can generate new jobs
and investment," said Lalonde. "The leadership demonstrated by Roxul in the
areas of energy efficiency, recycling and product innovation is the type of
success story we want to replicate throughout Ontario."
Roxul Inc. is investing in a new production line at its Milton facility
that will manufacture a range of new commercial, industrial and residential
insulation products. The project will include the development of leading-edge
manufacturing processes that conserve energy and generate zero waste, while
using recycled waste materials from the steel and construction industries. The
expansion will more than double the company's production in North America.
Support for the project is being provided under round two of the
government's Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS). The
$500-million strategy provides repayable loans, interest free for up to five
years, to support investments in technology and innovation.
The AMIS loan of $10 million supports a total project investment of
$103.7 million. In addition, Roxul is making further investments in land and
buildings that bring the total investment at the company's Milton plant to
approximately $135 million. The project will create about 100 new jobs and
support the creation or retention of a total of 232 positions over a five-year
period.
"With today's announcement, our Advanced Manufacturing Investment
Strategy has supported a total of seven innovative projects that will generate
almost $350 million in new investments and support the creation or retention
of about 2,700 jobs," said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development
and Trade. "Our government will continue to take proactive and strategic
action to safeguard the long-term success of Ontario's manufacturing
industry."
The call for proposals for AMIS round three is now open with a submission
deadline of April 12, 2007. For further information, including eligibility
requirements and an application package, please visit www.ontariocanada.com
(click on the "Programs and Services" link).
AMIS is part of the government's overall strategy for jobs and prosperity
that includes investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, stable
energy supply, research and innovation and key economic sectors.
Disponible en français
www.ontariocanada.com
Backgrounder
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INNOVATION KEY TO FUTURE OF ONTARIO MANUFACTURING
Ontario's manufacturing sector
Manufacturing underpins the provincial economy and employs about
one million people, representing some 16 per cent of Ontario's total
employment. In fact, among North American jurisdictions, Ontario is the second
largest employer in the manufacturing sector - only California has more
manufacturing employees. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters estimate
that every $1 of manufacturing output generates $3 in total economic activity.
Domestic manufacturers face challenges stemming from a global industry
restructuring and increased competition from low-cost jurisdictions such as
China and India. Investments in research and development, advanced technology
and innovation are considered essential for Ontario manufacturers to compete
in this environment and secure the sector's long-term prosperity.
Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS)
AMIS was launched in December 2005 to encourage companies to invest in
leading-edge technologies and processes that will increase productivity and
competitiveness. The $500-million strategy stimulates private sector
investment by offering loans, which are interest-free for up to five years,
covering up to 10 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of
$10 million per project.
AMIS is open to all manufacturing sectors for projects that have either a
minimum value of $50 million or create/retain 150 high-value jobs. The
strategy focuses on innovation, use of advanced technology or materials,
research and development, waste reduction and energy conservation.
The call for proposals for AMIS round three is now open with a submission
deadline of April 12, 2007. For further information, including eligibility
requirements and an application package, please visit www.ontariocanada.com
(click on the "Programs and Services" link).
The seven projects announced so far under AMIS will generate almost
$350 million in new investments and support the creation or retention of about
2,700 jobs, over a five-year period:
- Roxul Inc., Milton - Plant expansion and development of new
commercial, industrial and residential insulation products that use
recycled scrap material from the steel and construction industries. A
loan of $10 million supports a total project investment of
$103.7 million.
- Koolatron Corporation, Brantford - Development of new products,
including a large mobile cooler and cordless mosquito trap, using
energy-efficient thermoelectric power. A loan of $2.34 million
supports a total investment of $23.4 million.
- Flakeboard Company, Sault Ste. Marie - Development of new
manufacturing processes and commercial applications for
wood-alternative materials used in kitchen cabinets and furniture. A
loan of $1.6 million supports a total investment of $16.0 million.
- FAG Aerospace Inc., Stratford - Capacity expansion project to enhance
the manufacture of precision bearings for the aerospace industry. A
loan of $1.78 million supports a total investment of $17.8 million.
- Diamond Aircraft Industries, London - Development of a single-engine,
five-seat jet aircraft. A loan of $10 million supports a total
investment of $106.4 million.
- Messier-Dowty Inc., Ajax - Development of a Landing Gear Systems
Centre of Excellence. A loan of $5.08 million supports a total
investment of $50.8 million.
- Procter &amp; Gamble Inc., Brockville - Development of a new generation
of quick-cleaning homecare products. A loan of $3 million supports a
total investment of $30 million.
AMIS is part of the government's overall plan for jobs and prosperity that
includes:
- The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) that leveraged more
than $7 billion in automotive investments and anchored thousands of
high-value jobs
- Government leadership in helping Ontario manufacturers tap into
opportunities flowing from Alberta's oil sands, which are expected to
generate projects worth more than $100 billion by 2020
- Aggressive action to boost international trade and investment,
including business missions to China and India/Pakistan and expanding
Ontario's roster of international marketing centres to 10
- Investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, stable energy
supply, research and innovation and key economic sectors.
Contacts:
Phil DeMont Neil Trotter
Minister Pupatello's Office Communications and Public Affairs Branch
416-325-6706 416-325-6716
Disponible en français
www.ontariocanada.com